Lortet walks

The Crête de Bassia from the Col de Beyrède offers a magnificent panoramic view of the Baronnies de Bigorre to the north and the Pyrenees mountain range from Arbizon to the Pic du Midi de Bigorre to the south.

From the Col d'Aspin, this short round-trip hike will take you along the ridges between the Campan and Aure valleys for a superb view of the Pic du Midi de Bigorre, the Arbizon and the Perdiguère peaks.

A walk steeped in local history. Starting at a 12th-century Cistercian abbey, a pleasant path leads to the 14th-century Château de Mauvezin de Gaston Phébus. Take a break on this rocky outcrop, which offers remarkable 360° views. The return to the abbey follows a downhill path through the woods.

Hike along trails starting from Payolle, through the forest to the Col d'Aspin, then following the ridges of the Plo del Naou. At the summit, you can enjoy an exceptional panorama of the Campan and Arreau valleys, part of the Pyrenees mountain range, as well as the Pic du Midi de Bigorre and the Arbizon.

Cette Crête de Bidour permet de descendre au Col d'Aspin depuis le Plo Del Naou et d'admirer la Vallée d'Arreau. En certaines périodes estivales, la zone de Payolle et les crêtes du Bidour sont assez fréquentées. Il est bon de démarrer la randonnée tôt.

This hike forms a loop around Tuco and in the Gaoube valley. It offers beautiful views of several surrounding valleys. A beautifully restored hamlet has tables and benches for a very pleasant picnic stop. An ideal complement after a few days of hiking in the high mountains!

This is an easy hike, best undertaken when there is no snow. Pay close attention to the weather.

A short walk to warm up, but not recommended in wet weather. Nice view from the top.

A short, mostly shaded hike starting from the beautiful village of Mauléon-Barousse. The path is marked from start to finish (yellow markings). You can go to the Gouffre de la Saoule and admire the waterfalls.

Enjoy the beautiful scenery from the summit of Monné while passing through the Vallon de Salut, the Allées Dramatiques and the Col du Tucou, and descending not far from the Croix de Manse.A moderate hike with no significant difficulties.

Belvédère du Mont Né (Mont Né viewpoint) is a fitting name for this mountain, as the views you will discover throughout this hike are breathtaking. In good weather, this route does not present any major difficulties. What's more, you will start from Port de Balès, a famous stage of the Tour de France.

Easy hike to the Lac de Bordères (Bareilles) via the Port de Pierrefite, with superb views of the Pyrenees. Moderator's warning as of 25/01/2021: Warning! In winter, the starting point at Port de Balès may be inaccessible by car. See the notice below dated 25/01/2021

A very pretty route with a long ridge walk. This hike allows you to discover some very large summer pastures, some of which are still in use. In the background: the Pic de Midi de Bigorre, the Montaigu and the Mongie valley. Do not attempt this ridge hike in foggy or heavy rain.

This second stage, after spending the night at the Refuge de Campana de Cloutou, returns to Artigues, off the beaten track, with the discovery of the little-known Montarrouye valley.This day is classified as difficult because you need to know how to find your way.

A fabulous viewpoint well ahead of the chain, with a classic climb but an off-trail descent facing south towards the Pic du Midi de Bigorre!The GPX track can be very useful after the peak. The section after (4) is reserved for experienced hikers.

Magnificent view of the barns, extensive panorama of the Rioumajou Valley, Lustou, the Louron peaks, Hourgade and the village of Saint-Lary-Soulan. On the other side, view of the Plat d'Adet and the Aulon Valley.

Please note: access to the Pic du Midi is prohibited until 1 November 2024 by municipal decree The Pic du Midi de Bigorre is a classic in the Pyrenees. Apart from its length, this hike is very accessible. The approach via the Ruisseau d'Oncet is magnificent, where you will encounter marmots and llamas. Once you reach the summit, you'll be blown away by the view of all the legendary peaks, including Aneto, Vignemale, Balaïtous and the Néouvielle massif. Below, you can see Lac d'Oncet, which you passed on the way up.

In the footsteps of Georges Buisan, born in 1924 in Montréjeau (Haute-Garonne) and resident in Tarbes, he spent his childhood in Bigorre. His interest in the mountains led him to spend several years researching shepherds' huts. Georges Buisan has since passed away, but he leaves behind him, with this Courtaou de la Lit, which he restored over a period of thirty years, an original legacy and a powerful message.

This hike, which has no major difficulties, will be great fun to do in autumn in the midst of an explosion of colour. You'll discover superb beech forests, impressive pidgeon hunting huts, a beautiful view of the Pic du Cagire, the Garonne valley and the first Pyrenean peaks dominating the Barousse.

A typical Pyrenean lake in the mid-mountains. 47 hectares, 120 metres deep. Beautiful blue colour.

A very pretty hike with three lakes to see, including the magnificent Lac Bleu. The Pic de Bizoutére offers views of the Lesponne valley on the right and Hautacam on the left, not to mention the famous Pic du Midi. On the way back, you will come across some splendid waterfalls.

Second stage of the Three Days in the Néouvielle Reserve and its lakes. From the Bastan refuge to the Chalet-Hôtel d'Orédon. The tour and contemplation of the 20 lakes continues. You are entering the Néouvielle National Nature Reserve, which is protected by regulations. Please respect these regulations (see practical information).

A small mountain lake with a beautiful blue-green colour. Less frequented than the Lac Bleu, it is a real pleasure to soak up the calm and splendour of the site. The route offers views of the magnificent Pitch d'Ouscouaou waterfall.

Above Saint-Lary via the Col de Portet.A hike not to be missed for anglers and lovers of mountain lakes and wide open spaces.Ideal for families, all the way to the Refuge de Bastan.Note the very friendly welcome at the Refuge de Bastan in an idyllic setting.Depending on your fitness level, various trails continue beyond the refuge for everyone to enjoy.From 10 to 14 July 2023 - Road closed at Espiaube from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. to climb to the Col de Portet. Access possible by cable car from Espiaube (see practical information)

Hike passing by the Bastan lakes to reach Pic du Pichaley, which offers a 360° view. This hike is accessible to all up to the Bastan refuge, but becomes more difficult after that. The short climb up the Pic du Pichaley is very steep.

This pretty loop was the mountain biking training ground of our local champion Élodie, French junior champion in 2001 and 2002. On foot, you will have time to enjoy this route, which will take you to viewpoints overlooking the valley, where you may be lucky enough to spot numerous deer in this area.

This is a very accessible walk. After following a valley where irises bloom in late July, it climbs up to the Lac de Barrage dets Coubous. It then winds its way from lake to lake, across the meadows of a high-altitude cirque.

First stage of the Three Days in the Néouvielle Reserve and its lakes. From the Tournaboup car park to the Bastan refuge. This is a fairly challenging hike due to its elevation gain and short distance. At (6), you can listen to the stage and remove some of the elevation gain. See Practical Information. At (7), you can shorten the route and remove some of the elevation gain by starting on a south-facing balcony trail.

This three-day hike allows you to see at least 20 lakes. It is divided into three parts and includes two nights in a refuge (or in a tent). The first day is quite difficult. The times for each stage are those I have noted. They include photo breaks, meals, discussions, and time spent with your feet in the water. Please note that there are three hikes (normal walking pace).

For mineral enthusiasts. This walk offers many attractions, including beautiful scenery, several lakes along the route and the option of completing a loop via the Refuge de la Glére, returning to the starting point (for experienced walkers).

Starting from the centre of Loudenvielle, this lovely route offers exceptional views of Lake Génos while recounting the history of the town. It is not particularly difficult and can be enjoyed by the whole family, although it is best to choose a dry day as the stones can be slippery when wet.

A magnificent hike. Superb landscapes await you along this route. You are entering the Néouvielle National Nature Reserve, which is protected by regulations. Please respect these regulations (see practical information).

This tour includes no fewer than four mountain lakes, cascading down from ancient glaciers that shaped the Pyrenees. There is a fifth, lower lake, which we nevertheless invite you to visit on your way back. You are entering the Néouvielle National Nature Reserve, which is protected by regulations. Please respect these regulations (see practical information).

The Néouvielle Massif is impressive for the diversity of its landscapes, peaks, lakes, "eternal ice" and abundant wildlife. The Turon de Néouvielle is named after this prestigious massif and is located in one of the easternmost areas of the "Core Zone of the Pyrenees National Park". This area of the PNP extends over territories with altitudes never falling below 1,067 m and peaking at 3,298 m at the Pique Longue du Vignemale. It is home to extremely varied landscapes. On the Turon de Néouvielle trail, there are numerous glacial mountain lakes, granite rocks, sharp ridges and a few grassy areas with diverse wildlife. An exceptional sight! This route takes you to two of the 3000-metre peaks in the area. It can be done in one or two days, with a break at the Refuge de la Glère, in a heavenly location.

Third stage of the Three Days in the Néouvielle Reserve and its lakes From the Chalet-Hôtel d'Orédon to the Tournaboup car park. The hike is coming to an end, but the beauty of the 20 lakes remains. You are entering the Néouvielle National Nature Reserve, which is protected by regulations. Please respect these regulations (see practical information).

The Néouvielle massif is the highest massif in the Pyrenees entirely within France. The Pic du Néouvielle (3,091 m) is its emblem, if not its highest peak, in the heart of a regional nature reserve where every lake is a marvel. This hike offers the ascent via the usual route, through the ancient Néouvielle glaciers, and a less easy but more fun descent via boulders. Starting from Lac d'Aubert, the route is fairly easy, especially in spring and early summer when the snow in the north-east couloir is still present, allowing you to avoid the scree, and is fairly well marked. In the last section, you cross the area of the former Néouvielle glaciers, partially replaced by snowfields, scree and large boulders. Finally, a short, easy climb up a chimney takes you to the summit, where you can enjoy exceptional views of the surrounding area and the entire Pyrenees mountain range!

This is a hike not to be missed for lovers of mountain lakes and wide open spaces. Moderator's addition on 23/08/2021: The start of the circuit has changed. It is now at the Chez Louisette restaurant and the hike is therefore longer. See the comments at the bottom of this page